The tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica
in midwinter. The foliage is usually totally untouched by winter temperatures
here at Southern Comfort. Often, it is the wind that does more damage than
the cold. It is one of the hardiest of tree ferns and will a few degrees
of night frost with no damage. In January 2009 when the exceptionally low
temperatures briefly fell to about -5°C slight browning was apparent
on the tips of some of the fronds - otherwise the plant was untouched. Under
optimal conditions - adequate shelter and ample moisture -
D. antarctica will develop fronds up to 2 metres in length and, over
time, a 15 metre trunk. Occasional misting or hose down of the fronds and
a soaking of the trunk is beneficial in dry, hot weather. I have not found
this tree fern to be affected by a soil pH slightly on the alkaline side
of neutral.
© Maciej Pomian-Srzednicki, 2008
29/09/2008
Telephone 01803 201813
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